Finding the best dual sport motorcycle for beginners can be tough with all the great dual sport bikes out there on the market today. We’ve been very fortunate to have some brand new beginner friendly dual sport models hit the market in the last couple years, so while I stand by the recommendations in my original “Best Dual Sports for New Riders” video, I figure it’s about time for an updated version that reflects the cool new options out there for new off road riders. Here are my top 5 best dual sport motorcycles for brand new riders and/or riders who are new to off road riding.
All of these bikes are unintimidating, easy to handle and learn on, very reliable, super capable, and inexpensive to buy and maintain, making them perfect for a new rider. All of them also have room for a new rider to grow and continue to enjoy as their off road riding skills improve. One of them is sure to be the best beginner dual sport motorcycle for you.
#5 Yamaha TW200
No surprise here. The TW200 is a bike I recommend basically every chance I get. It’s a truly unique -looking bike and is quite possibly the most beginner friendly dual sport bike of all time, thanks to its low seat height, manageable power, and the ample traction provided by its ATV-style tires.
#4 Yamaha XT250
The XT250 is the TW200’s younger brother and is a more traditional-style dual sport bike. As a much newer model, the XT250 has a more modern design with fuel injection and front and rear disk brakes. It’s still one of the least intimidating bikes on the market for new riders, though, thanks to its very low (for a dual sport) 31.9 inch seat height.
#3 Kawasaki KLX230 (Test Ride Video: [ Ссылка ])
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to take the KLX230 on an extended test ride recently, and I have to say I came away a lot more impressed than I was expecting to be. It’s an easy to ride yet super fun and capable small-displacement dual sport that has a lot to offer both new and experienced riders alike.
Another big advantage to the KLX230, at least right now, is that they seem to be readily available at dealerships while the other bikes on this list are a bit harder to get at the moment.
#2 Honda CRF300L
I haven’t yet had the opportunity to test ride a CRF300L, but its predecessor the CRF250L was my first dual sport bike and I put thousands of miles on it, so combined with the overwhelmingly positive reviews and response from the dual sport community, I feel very comfortable recommending it as as a very solid option for a brand new dual sport rider.
#1 (though it’s really pretty much a tie between the CRF300L and this one) is the Kawasaki KLX300. (KLX300 Test Ride Video: [ Ссылка ])
Also brand new for 2021, the KLX300 is also an upgraded version of a beloved previous model (in this case the KLX250). Like the CRF300L, the KLX300 is a fuel-injected, lightweight-ish, very capable dual sport bike. The differences between the two are not huge, but the KLX has a slightly bigger engine and slightly lower weight, while the CRF has longer suspension travel, more ground clearance, and a lower seat height.
If you’re in the market for your first dual sport bike, I’d strongly encourage you to check out and consider all five of these bikes. They’re all going to be awesome for a beginner and have all the capability you’ll want or need whether you’re planning to ride around town, tear up some logging roads, or even hit the trails.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these bikes and the differences between them are really minimal in the grand scheme of things, so my advice is to test ride as many as you can and go with the one that feels right to you. Or, since they are kinda hard to get your hands on right now...just go with the one you can actually find.
Check out [ Ссылка ] for all your dorky motorcycling needs!
Want early access to videos and other perks? Become a channel member: [ Ссылка ]
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: [ Ссылка ]
Amazon: [ Ссылка ]
Revzilla: [ Ссылка ]
MotoCamp Nerd: [ Ссылка ]
DitR Storefront on Amazon: [ Ссылка ]
Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: [ Ссылка ]
Dork in the Road’s Dual Sport Mods on RMATV/MC: [ Ссылка ]
Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: [ Ссылка ]
Select music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Use this link to get a free 30-day trial: [ Ссылка ]
